Our project objective is to apply microencapsulation technology (matrix particle techniques or core shell encapsulation) in a new sector to develop an innovative oral delivery system for a functional amino acid beta alanine for horses. This innovation will improve add value to our existing beta alanine product STORM®. We aim to achieve sustained beta alanine absorption from the horses’ digestive tract to maintain and prolong a beneficial concentration in the blood, which in turn will improve retention (bioavailability) in the body thus enhancing its biochemical functionality and efficacy. We will be transferring novel technology to a new area: production of specialist animal feeds. This technology optimised for use in horses can be applied for other monogastric and ruminant animals offering potential applications for the development of specialist feed ingredients and medicines and use in the agricultural sector for pigs and beef cattle, to improve meat quality. Successful completion of the project will enable us to market our ‘New improved’ STORM product with further major USPs, with strong evidence of enhanced efficacy, and improved shelf life/stability. This will dramatically improve our domestic sales, our exports to those countries where in we have established distributors, and will enhance expansion into new markets with thriving racing industries such as Japan and India. Our business expansion resulting from this project in conjunction with our two business technology partners will increase jobs particularly in rural areas and will contribute to the UK’s balance of payments. The BHIC report that horse riding is now more popular in the UK than rugby, fishing, or cricket. Our new product represents a cutting edge advance in equine sports nutrition offering the attention to detail that is essential to build upon the success of our equestrian teams at the London 2012 Olympics and to keep them at the front of the global stage.